Is It Illegal To Eat While Driving In Texas?
I noticed a Little Caesar's pizza box on the dashboard of a car that was driving around the loop in Lubbock the other day. The driver was munching on a slice of pizza while going about 60 mph. While it looked rather delicious, it didn't look very safe. It made me wonder if there are any laws against eating while driving in the Lone Star State.
So, what does Texas law say?
Lucky for pizza lovers on the go, Texas doesn't have any laws against eating while you are driving down the road. You are more than welcome to cram a burger in your mouth while you head to wherever you're going. However, if the driver enjoying a snack cannot safely or properly control the motor vehicle because they are distracted by dipping sauces or stray fries falling between the seat cushions, they could definitely get in trouble.
Transportation Code 545.401 states that you can be punished with a misdemeanor for reckless driving. If you happen to veer off the road or do something to give an officer cause to pull you over for reckless driving, you won't be able to blame your chicken nuggets for it. You could be punished up by a fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Can you imagine going to jail because your burger was so tasty that you closed your eyes for a second to enjoy its majesty? If you ever notice me on the jail roster, it's probably for something like that. Sometimes, the BBQ Chicken Sandwich from Whataburger doesn't quite make it all the way back to my house...
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